The AFL Is Trialling Rule Changes In The VFL This Weekend

A week after Gillon McLachlan was shot down for his suggestion, the AFL has confirmed it will use a VFL game to trial two proposed rule changes.

Saturday's Coburg-Werribee match at Piranha Park will feature a larger goal square and set positions at centre bounces of six midfielders, six defenders and six forwards.

Last Wednesday, McLachlan publicly floated the idea of using an AFL dead-rubber game to trial rule changes.

But that lasted only two days before the AFL chief executive backtracked, saying opposition was running at about two thirds.

However, the AFL confirmed on Tuesday the trial will go ahead in the Coburg-Werribee match.

AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking and his department have used four club training sessions to look at proposed rule changes.

But this will be the first time that a full game is used.

Hocking said the VFL had come to the league and offered to trial the rule changes.

"The AFL was given a clear message by both the competition committee, and each of the clubs we have met with so far," Hocking said.

"All parties need to see much more data on how one-two key considerations that we are potentially looking at for AFL games in the future, how they may look when in action for a full game."

The larger goal square will be used for kickouts while teams must set up with the six-six-six positions at each centre bounce.

Hocking said the AFL could look at a second VFL trial before the end of this season if necessary.

He added the AFL's competition committee will meet again in September.

Any rule changes will be confirmed in October.

AFL Victoria chief executive Steven Reaper said in a statement VFL clubs had been keen to trial rule changes.

"They were keen to assist in the off season, but when we offered them the chance to do the trial in season they were really positive and excited about it," he said.

- AAP